Miami Beach Destination Overview

The city of Miami Beach rests on the eastern shoreline of Florida on a series of natural and man-made barrier islands and offers visitors an array of excellent activities unique to the Sunshine State. The area was established as an agricultural venture to grow coconuts, mangoes and avocados by investors from northern areas of the country, and rose to economic prominence after the founding of Miami and the construction of the railroad. In the early portion of the 20th century, Miami Beach's farmlands were converted into resorts, hotels and winter residences aimed at attracting wealthy businessmen to the area. Today the area is a popular tourist destination for those hoping to spend their leisure time in the warmth of Florida's subtropical climate.

Arts and Culture

During the 1920s, '30s and '40s, Miami Beach developed one of the largest collections of Art Deco architecture seen anywhere in the world, and in 1979 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It has been a haven for American artisans since the early 20th century, and presents visitors with a variety of galleries and museums that are sure to spark your creativity and imagination.

Bass Museum of Art Presenting visitors with a vast collection of incredible artwork that spans more than 500 years, the Bass Museum of Art is one of the premier stops in the Miami Beach art scene. The galleries house work from the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Contemporary periods, featuring paintings and sculptural elements that range from English portraiture to modern photography to Asian art. A large portion of the collection was donated by John and Johanna Bass in 1963, which established a foundation for the continuous growth that has turned this into an assemblage of some of the best European art in the Southeast. Spend a day admiring the work of masters from eras past for a truly inspiring and educational endeavor art enthusiasts are sure to enjoy.

Avant Gallery This establishment offers patrons a chance to indulge in some of the best Contemporary artwork of the past millennia, featuring work by notable artists such as Andy Warhol, Damien Hurst, DAIN, Mick Rock and numerous others. If you enjoy street art, this gallery houses a number of pieces from some of America's greatest contributors. Vibrant colors and stimulating subject matter is readily available to all who venture into Avant Gallery, along with a wide selection of interesting and engaging sculptural and photographic works from world-renowned artists.

Natural Wonders

The tropical climate of southern Florida encourages the growth of a variety of exotic fauna and flora not found anywhere else within the U.S., and presents nearly perfected beach conditions almost every month of the year. Sprawl out on white sands, or take a day trip to one of the picturesque natural sanctuaries found throughout the area.

Miami Beach Botanical Gardens This highly attractive collection of tropical blossoms and exotic foliage was first established in 1962, and has since become one of the areas most popular destinations for tourists. The venue hosts a number of visual and performing artists throughout the year, and offers travelers some unique environmental educational opportunities to promote green living and preservation of the area's natural wonders. The collection houses a variety of specimens including, cycads, bromeliads, orchids, vines, palm trees and so many more, which create a colorful array of vivid hues and botanical aromas sure to dazzle the senses of all who make the time to see this fantastic facility.

South Beach

Whether you're hoping to lay back and work on that tan or simply engage in some people watching, South Beach is the best spot in town. Located at the most southern point of the community at 1 Washington Avenue, South Beach presents visitors with gorgeous vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, a variety of local vendors and plenty of sunshine. It remains to be one of the most popular stops in town among both locals and tourists, and provides a sample of some of the colorful personalities found throughout the Miami Metro Area.

Downtown Miami Beach

If you're looking to spend a night out on the town, Miami Beach offers some of the best venues in the area. This beachfront community is home to a number of posh establishments that have been popular with celebrities and other culturally significant people since the Roaring '20s. Make your way to one of these excellent establishments for a night you'll never forget.

Mansion This expansive night club features an ornate design and a powerful sound system that will have you partying in style until the early hours of the morning. Guest performers include world-famous hip-hop artists, such as Diddy and Jay-Z, along with some of the biggest names in the electronic scene, including David Guetta and Hardwell.

Bleau Bar If mega-clubs aren't your scene, try out one of the specialty cocktails at Bleau Bar. This establishment was once a favorite among Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, and evokes a sense of pure class and luxury. It is also the locale where the opening scenes of the James Bond classic "Goldfinger" were shot.
While you're here, check out our guide to the
best Miami Beach vacations, including articles like
Fun Things to Do in Miami Beach.

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